Frequently Asked Questions – Car Hire in Nairobi

There are 3 documents required to hire a car in Nairobi. These are a valid driving licence, a national ID or passport, and a debit or credit card. Foreign nationals also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country driving licence.

The minimum age to hire a car in Kenya is 23 years. The driver must have held a valid driving licence for a minimum of 2 years. Drivers aged 23–25 are subject to a young driver surcharge on certain vehicle classes.

Barguts Tours accepts 3 categories of driving licence including: a Kenyan national driving licence, an East African Community (EAC) licence, and a foreign driving licence accompanied by a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). An expired licence is not accepted under any category.

A refundable security deposit applies to all self drive bookings with Barguts Tours. The deposit amount varies by vehicle class. The deposit is returned in full upon vehicle return, provided no damage or fuel deficit is recorded at inspection.

Car hire in Nairobi starts from KES 3,500 per day for an economy sedan. SUVs start from KES 6,500 per day. Luxury saloons start from KES 8,500 per day. Full rates for all vehicle classes are on the pricing page.

Yes. Barguts Tours provides weekly and monthly rates at a discount to the daily rate. A 7-day rental reduces the effective daily rate by approximately 10–15%. A 30-day rental reduces the daily rate by approximately 25–30%. All rates are on the pricing page.

Barguts Tours charges no hidden fees. The rate quoted at booking is the rate charged at return, subject to no damage, no excess mileage above the agreed limit, and a full fuel tank at return. All conditions are stated at the time of booking.

Barguts Tours accepts Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, M-Pesa mobile money, and bank transfers for deposits and hire payments. Cash payments in KES are also accepted at the point of collection.

Self drive in Nairobi is safe for drivers familiar with urban traffic and roundabout conventions. Nairobi roads use left-hand traffic. Peak-hour congestion on Mombasa Road, Thika Road and Ngong Road adds 30–90 minutes to typical journey times. Barguts Tours provides route briefings on request.

A standard daily mileage allowance of 250 km applies to self drive hire with Barguts Tours. Kilometres in excess of the allowance are charged at a per-km rate stated at booking. Unlimited mileage options are available on weekly and monthly hire — confirm at booking.

All Barguts Tours vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel. The vehicle is returned with a full tank. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than collected, the deficit is charged at the current pump price per litre plus a KES 500 refuelling administration fee.

Cross-border travel requires prior written approval from Barguts Tours and attracts an additional cross-border permit fee. Approved destinations include Uganda and Tanzania. Cross-border travel is not permitted for all vehicle classes — confirm at booking. The hire agreement must reflect the approved border crossing.

A hired driver with Barguts Tours costs from KES 2,500 per day in addition to the vehicle hire rate. Driver costs for overnight trips include driver accommodation and per diem at rates confirmed at the time of booking.

Hired drivers work a standard shift of 8 hours per day. Extended hours beyond 8 hours are billed at an overtime rate per hour. Overnight hire includes driver accommodation arranged by Barguts Tours. The driver daily start and end times are set at booking.

Yes. Barguts Tours provides meet-and-greet pickup inside the JKIA arrivals hall. The driver holds a name board at the agreed meeting point. Barguts Tours monitors flight arrivals and adjusts pickup time for delays at no additional charge.

Yes. Barguts Tours provides pickup and drop-off at Wilson Airport for domestic flights, charter connections and safari departures. Wilson Airport transfers are available 24 hours a day. Book via the airport transfer page or call 0707 116 220.

Airport transfers with Barguts Tours are confirmed with a minimum of 4 hours notice. Bookings under 4 hours are subject to driver availability. Barguts Tours recommends booking 24 hours in advance for early-morning and late-night arrivals to guarantee availability.

Yes. Foreign nationals hire cars in Kenya by presenting a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP must be issued in the driver's country of residence and valid on the dates of hire. Barguts Tours serves tourists and expatriates across Nairobi.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is obtained from the motoring authority in your country of residence before travelling to Kenya. In the UK, the AA or RAC issue IDPs. In the USA, the AAA issues IDPs. An IDP obtained in Kenya after arrival is not valid.

Barguts Tours operates 4 vehicle categories including economy sedans, SUVs and 4x4s, luxury saloons, 7-seaters, and minivans and buses. All vehicles are maintained to roadworthy standard and carry comprehensive insurance. View the full fleet.

A 4x4 SUV or Toyota Land Cruiser is the recommended vehicle for a safari from Nairobi. These vehicles handle the unpaved roads at Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru. Barguts Tours provides safari car hire with self drive and guided options.

Yes. Barguts Tours provides 7-seater vehicles, minivans and buses for group travel. Minivans seat up to 14 passengers. Buses seat up to 33 passengers. Barguts Tours serves group airport shuttles, corporate events, school trips and tours. See minivan and bus hire.